NEW DELHI: The US State Department expressed concern about the Taliban's new all-male interim Cabinet in Afghanistan, which includes a minister who's on a US terrorism list.
 "We note the announced list of names consists exclusively of individuals who are members of the Taliban or their close associates and no women," the State Department said in a statement.

The interim cabinet is led by Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, who is on a UN blacklist. Another figure, Sirajuddin Haqqani, is wanted by the FBI.

The Islamist group seized control of Afghanistan in a sweeping offensive more than three weeks ago.

Women-led demonstrations have been held against the Islamists since then. The militants deny using violence against them, but their government faces many tough challenges in the conflict-torn country, including stabilising the economy and gaining international recognition.
The group had previously said they wanted to form an inclusive government.

The US state department noted: "We note the announced list of names consists exclusively of individuals who are members of the Taliban or their close associates and no women. "We also are concerned by the affiliations and track records of some of the individuals." It added that America would "judge the Taliban by its actions, not words".
The statement said Washington would "continue to hold the Taliban to their commitments" to allow safe passage for foreign nationals and Afghans with travel documents, "including permitting flights currently ready to fly out of Afghanistan".
"We also reiterate our clear expectation that the Taliban ensure that Afghan soil is not used to threaten any other countries," it said, adding: "The world is watching closely."

White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain said Monday that about 100 Americans were still in Afghanistan and officials were working to evacuate those who want to leave, as well as Afghan allies following reports that many had been left behind following the full US troop withdrawal from the country.